Steering wheel horn switch assembly including horn ring operator

ABSTRACT

In combination with a vehicle steering wheel including a rim portion and two spokes connecting the rim portion to a hub portion fitted with a restraint assembly, and having a button on each spoke for operating a horn switch, an apparatus for depressing the buttons to operate the horn switch includes an elongate member formed into an inverted U-shape having two ends and being of a width relative to the rim portion to fit within the rim portion and simultaneously extend over both the buttons while the ends rest against the rim portion, and a joining mechanism for pivotally joining each end to the rim portion, such that pushing against the elongate member depresses the buttons and operates the horn switch. The two ends of the elongate member are each preferably bent at approximately a right angle and directed away from each other. The joining mechanism preferably includes a sleeve member having a longitudinal split for closing around each L-shaped end and the rim portion, and a mechanism for locking the curved members together. The elongate member is preferably bent to form either a semi-circle or a U-shape. A method of operating a horn button on a steering wheel of an automotive vehicle, includes the steps of joining an elongate member to the steering wheel rim portion so that the elongate member is in contact with the horn button and pressing the elongate member to depress the horn button.

FILING HISTORY

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.07/834,146, filed on Feb. 10, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,415.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of devices onsteering wheels for operating horn switches, and more specifically to anapparatus for extending the surface of horn buttons on a steering wheel,the wheel having a rim connected by two spokes to a hub equipped with aninflatable restraint, and the horn buttons being located on the spokeson either side of the restraint, the apparatus including a U-shaped ringmember having two ends, each end including an outwardly directedL-shaped portion, placed in an inverted position within the rim, theends each being pivotally secured to the wheel rim with a longitudinallysplit, resilient rim sleeve, and the ring member extending upward torest against the horn buttons and to loop through the space between therestraint and the rim, and which can be quickly located and pressed torapidly activate the horn.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There have long been buttons and levers on steering wheels for operatinghorn switches. Many cars made before the mid-nineteen sixties cameequipped with a horn activation ring integrally manufactured with thesteering wheel. These rings at least partly encircled the hub, dividingthe space between the hub and the rim. In an emergency, the driver couldsimply extend a hand forward within the rim and be reasonably assured ofstriking the ring and activating the horn. This was an important safetyfeature because the use of the horn is often most critical incircumstances where there are only seconds to act.

This valuable feature was discontinued on later car models in favor ofsleek wheel styling, and replaced with horn buttons on the hub andspokes. Then, inflatable restraint modules were placed on the hub,leaving only the horn buttons on the spokes. In the brief and stressfulmoments before a collision, the driver may not have time to look down atthe wheel to locate these buttons. The time he loses trying to find themby touch can make the difference between successful warning andavoidance, and a fatal accident. The problem, which is most pronouncedamong the ill, disabled and elderly, has been compounded by the placingof numerous buttons for everything from high beam lights to cruisecontrol on steering wheels. Various horn-activating devices have beendeveloped over the years, but none is both compatable with a hub mountedrestraint and able to provide the ready access of the horn ring.

Examples of these prior devices include that of Sladky, U.S. Pat. No.2,286,016, issued on Jun. 9, 1942. Sladky discloses a steering wheelhaving a horn switch assembly which includes a pair of resilientlyspaced-apart electric contact plates and a horn ring attached to one ofthe plates, to pivot them together and activate the horn. AlthoughSladky includes a horn ring as described above, the horn assembly isdesigned to occupy the entire wheel hub. This prevents the inclusion ofa hub-mounted restraint module. Also, Sladky discloses a completesteering wheel which would have to replace an existing wheel, and thiswould be costly, inconvenient and detrimental to the appearance of thecar.

Bonn et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,968, issued on Jan. 23, 1973, teaches asteering wheel having a horn activating baffle plate, fitted withcontacts and resiliently spaced above wheel spokes having correspondingcontacts. A cup-shaped protrusion on each spoke opposes a cup-shapedrecess in the baffle plate and the these opposing cup configurationseach contain a spring to achieve the resilient spacing. Bonn et al. isintended to eliminate the need for a contact yoke, and thus simplify thehorn switch assembly. A problem with Bonn et al. is that it cannot beused with an existing steering wheel. The entire wheel must be replaced,at substantial cost and loss of the aesthetic coordination of theoriginal parts. Another problem is that Bonn, et al, designed prior towide commercial production of inflatable restraints, occupies the hubarea needed for the restraint module.

Wolf et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,838,236, issued on Sep. 24, 1974, teaches anelongated switch, suitable for incorporation into a steering wheel tooperate a horn. The Wolf et al. device covers the hub as well as atleast two of the spokes. Wolf et al. provides a broad horn activatingsurface within the wheel rim which is easier to locate than are isolatedhorn buttons. Localized pressure applied to a restricted area of theswitch is sufficient to cause a contact strip to make a connection andblow the horn. A problem with Wolf et al. is that, once again, it is notsuited for application to an existing steering wheel and is relativelyexpensive. More importantly, it occupies the space where a restraintmodule would be located.

Dunford et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,819,205, issued on Jun. 25, 1974,discloses an inflatable restraint module for mounting on the hub of asteering wheel having four spokes. This design, with its small, isolatedhorn buttons located on the spokes, presents the very safety problemsidentified above. Critical time can be lost trying to locate the hornbuttons in an emergency.

Fosnaugh et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,144, issued on Nov. 15, 1988,reveals a combination horn-blowing switch and mounting structure for arestraint module. Fosnaugh et al. makes the module itself the hornbutton. A problem with Fosnaugh et al. is that it is intended forinstallation during manufacture of the vehicle. Substantial modificationand expense would likely be required to adapt it for use on an existingwheel as an after-market item. Another problem is that many steeringwheels today have buttons on and around the restraint module foroperating accessories other than the horn. These would be displaced bythe Fosnaugh et al. device.

Clark et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,568, issued on Apr. 20, 1982, disclosesa modular occupant restraint system much like that of Dunford et al.except that it is shown mounted on a two-spoke steering wheel. Husby,U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,843, issued on Dec. 19, 1989, teaches a chargingsystem for a steering wheel-mounted air bag. Clark et al. and Husbyprovide small horn buttons located on the spokes and therefore presentessentially the same problems identified above for Dunford, et al. Sodoes Brown et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,082, issued on Mar. 12, 1985,which illustrates a small horn button mounted adjacent to the steeringwheel rim.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor operating the horn switch on a modern steering wheel having twospokes, whether or not the wheel is equipped with a restraint module,which can be quickly and reliably located by touch over a broad areawithin the rim without looking at the wheel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such anapparatus which is removable and does not damage or require modificationof the wheel.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such anapparatus which does not detract from the appearance of the car.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such anapparatus which does not in any way interfere with restraint operation.

It is finally an object of the present invention to provide such anapparatus which is simple in design, requires no wiring and isinexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention accomplishes the above-stated objectives, as wellas others, as may be determined by a fair reading and interpretation ofthe entire specification.

In combination with a vehicle steering wheel including a rim portion andtwo spokes connecting the rim portion to a hub portion fitted with arestraint assembly, and having a button on each spoke for operating ahorn switch, an apparatus is provided for depressing the buttons tooperate the horn switch, including an elongate member formed into aninverted U-shape having two ends and being of a width relative to therim portion to fit within the rim portion and simultaneously extend overboth the buttons while the ends rest against the rim portion, and ajoining mechanism for pivotally joining each end to the rim portion,such that pushing against the elongate member depresses the buttons andoperates the horn switch.

Also provided in combination with a vehicle steering wheel including arim portion and two spokes connecting the rim portion to a hub portionfitted with a restraint assembly, and having a button on one of thespokes for operating a horn switch, is an apparatus for depressing thebutton and operating the horn switch, including an elongate memberhaving an end and extending over the button, and a joining mechanism forpivotally joining the end to the rim portion, such that pushing againstthe elongate member depresses the button and operates the horn switch.

The two ends of the elongate member are each preferably bent atapproximately a right angle and directed away from each other. Thejoining mechanism preferably includes a longitudinally split, resilientsleeve member for closing around each end and the rim portion. A segmentof the elongate member covers each button, and a notch is preferably cutinto the member on either side of each segment to create a tab at eachsegment for bearing against one button. Alternatively, where theelongate member is a strip of material having two broad sides and twonarrow edges, and where a segment of the elongate member covers eachbutton, each segment is rotated one quarter turn about the longitudinalaxis of the elongate member relative to portions of the elongate memberimmediately adjacent to the segment, to direct a broad side of theelongate member toward each button. A dimple portion or bowed portionpreferably protrudes from each rotated segment toward each said hornbutton. The elongate member is preferably bent to form either asemi-circle or a U-shape.

Also provided in combination with a vehicle steering wheel including arim portion and two spokes connecting the rim portion to a hub portion,and having a button on one of the spokes for operating a horn switch, isan apparatus for depressing the button to operate the horn switch,including an elongate member having an end and extending over thebutton, and a joining mechanism for pivotally joining the end to the rimportion, such that pushing against the elongate member depresses thebutton and operates the horn switch.

A method is provided of operating a horn button on a steering wheel ofan automotive vehicle, the steering wheel having a hub portion connectedto a rim portion by a spoke and having a horn button on the spoke,including the steps of joining an elongate member to the steering wheelrim portion so that the elongate member is in contact with the hornbutton and pressing the elongate member to depress the horn button.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdiscussion taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a two-spoke steering wheel equipped with aninflatable restraint and fitted with the first embodiment of theinventive horn ring apparatus, having the outwardly bent L-shaped endportions.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the steering wheel of FIG. 1,showing the ring member and the location of one of its tabs and of asleeve fit into its securing position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ring member of the first embodiment,having the L-shaped end portions.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the steering wheel of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a split sleeve showing the cut-out portionsfor receiving the wheel spokes.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a two-spoke steering wheel equipped with aninflatable restraint and fitted with the second embodiment of theinventive horn ring apparatus, having the L-shaped end portions.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the steering wheel of FIG. 1,showing the ring member, the location of one of the rotated sections andthe position of a sleeve.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ring member of the secondembodiment, having the L-shaped end portions.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of the steering wheel of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsaremerely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein arenot to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims andas a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like characteristics andfeatures of the present invention shown in the various FIGURES aredesignated by the same reference numerals.

FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a horn operating ring apparatus 10 isdisclosed for mounting on a steering wheel 12 of an automotive vehicleequipped with an inflatable restraint device. The particular steeringwheel 12 illustrated includes a hub portion 14 connected by two spokemembers 16 and 18 to a circular rim portion 30. Horn buttons 34 and 36areprovided on spoke members 16 and 18, respectively. Hub portion 14includes a restraint module in the form an air bag assembly 40positioned between buttons 34 and 36.

Apparatus 10 includes a U-shaped, elongate member 50 having asemi-circularcurved portion 52 and two linear side portions, 54 and 56.Each side portion 54 and 56 terminates in an outwardly extending lateralL-shaped end portion, 62 and 64, respectively. Member 50 is preferably aflat stripof chrome-plated steel bent into the above-mentioned U-shapeby doubling one of its broad sides over to face itself. Member 50 isplaced on steering wheel 12 in an inverted position within rim portion30, and is sized so that end portions 62 and 64 rest against the lowersegment of rimportion 30 while side portions 54 and 56 rest on top ofhorn buttons 34 and36, respectively. Notches are preferably cut out ofmember 50 at either side of the segment of member 50 covering each hornbutton, creating tabs 70 and 72. As a result, the protruding tabs 70 and72 can depress buttons 34 and 36 not only to the level of the spokefaces, but beyond that level and into spoke members 16 and 18 for moreassured horn activation.

Member 50 is removably secured to steering wheel 12 by sleeves 80. Eachsleeve 80 is formed of resilient material and has a longitudinal cut orsplit 82 along its side. A sleeve 80 is installed on a steering wheel 12by pulling split 82 open so that sleeve 80 can be fit around rim portion30 and an end portion 62 or 64. In this way a sleeve 80 holds an end 62or64 of member 50 against rim portion 30, but with sufficientflexibility to permit member 50 to pivot from ends 62 and 64. Theresilience of sleeves 80 not only holds sleeves 80 on rim portion 30,but also biases member 50 to return to its initial position. A cut-outportion 84 preferably extendsfrom either edge 86 of each split 82 toreceive a wheel spoke 16 or 18 and thus permit the sleeve 80 tocompletely close around rim portion 30 both above and below a spoke.Apparatus 10 can be removed from steering wheel 12 for subsequent re-useby again pulling split 82 apart and sliding sleeves 80 off rim portion30. Then member 50 is simply lifted out of steering wheel 12. Any ofseveral well known clamping devices may be provided in place of sleeves80.

SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The second embodiment is much like the first. The only difference isthat, rather than creating tabs 70 and 72, the segments of member 50which extend over horn buttons 34 and 36 are bent a quarter turn aboutthe longitudinal axis of member 50. See FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9. Thisbending creates rotated segments 96 and 98 which present broad sides ofmember 50 to rest against and depress horn buttons 34 and 36. Rotatedsegments 96 and 98 preferably each have an extended contact point suchas a dimple 102or a bowed portion, directed toward the adjacent hornbutton 34 or 36. Member 50 of the second embodiment is installed,removed and operated as is member 50 of the first embodiment.

Neither preferred embodiment of apparatus 10 in any way interferes withtheoperation of air bag assembly 40, or with steering or with any otheraccessory or feature of the car. Alternatively, a car not having awheel-mounted restraint can be fitted with apparatus 10 by slightlymodifying the dimensions of member 50. Finally, while member 50 ispreferably U-shaped, it can take a great many other shapes and stillfunction as described.

METHOD

In practicing the invention, the following method may be used. Anelongate member 50 is pivotally joined to a steering wheel rim portion30 so that elongate member 50 is in contact with a horn button 34 or 36.Elongate member 50 is then pressed to activate the horn.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and showninvarious terms or certain embodiments or modifications which it hasassumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be,nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

I claim as my invention:
 1. In combination with a vehicle steering wheelcomprising a rim portion and two spokes connecting said rim portion to ahub portion fitted with a restraint assembly, and having a button oneach said spoke for operating a horn switch, an apparatus for depressingsaid buttons to operate said horn switch, comprising:an elongate memberformed into an inverted U-shape having two ends and being of a widthrelative to said rim portion to fit within said rim portion andsimultaneously extend over both said buttons while said ends restagainst said rim portion, joining means for pivotally joining each saidend to said rim portion, such that pushing against said elongate memberdepresses said buttons and operates said horn switch.
 2. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said two ends are each bent at an angleand directed in opposite directions.
 3. An apparatus according to claim2, wherein said joining means comprises a sleeve member having alongitudinal split for closing around each said end and said rimportion.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a segment of saidelongate member covers each said button and a notch is cut into saidmember on either side of each said segment to create a tab at each saidsegment for bearing against one said button.
 5. An apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said elongate member is a strip of material havingtwo broad sides and two narrow edges, and wherein a segment of saidelongate member covers each said button, and each said segment isrotated one quarter turn about the longitudinal axis of said elongatemember relative to the portions of said elongate member immediatelyadjacent to each said segment, to direct a broad side of said elongatemember toward each said button.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5,wherein one said segment rotated a quarter turn comprises a dimpleportion to be directed toward said horn button.
 7. An apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein one said segment rotated a quarter turncomprises a bowed portion to be directed toward said horn button.
 8. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member is bent tosubstantially form an 0-shape.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said elongate member is bent to form a U-shape.
 10. Incombination with a vehicle steering wheel comprising a rim portion andtwo spokes connecting said rim portion to a hub portion fitted with arestraint assembly, and having a button on one of said spokes foroperating a horn switch, an apparatus for depressing said button andoperating said horn switch, comprising:an elongate member having an endand extending over said button, joining means for pivotally joining saidend to said rim portion, such that pushing against said elongate memberdepresses said button and operates said horn switch.
 11. An apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said elongate member is bent to form asemi-circle.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein saidelongate member is bent to form a U-shape.
 13. An apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein a segment of said elongate member covers said buttonand a notch is cut into said elongate member on either side of saidsegment to create a tab at said segment for bearing against said button.14. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said elongate member isa strip of material having two broad sides and two narrow edges, andwherein a segment of said elongate member covers said button, and saidsegment is rotated one quarter turn about the longitudinal axis of saidelongate member relative to the portions of said elongate memberimmediately adjacent to said segment, to direct a broad side of saidelongate member toward said button.
 15. In combination with a vehiclesteering wheel comprising a rim portion and two spokes connecting saidrim portion to a hub portion, and having a button on one of said spokesfor operating a horn switch, an apparatus for depressing said button tooperate said horn switch, comprising:an elongate member having an endand extending over said button, joining means for pivotally joining saidend to said rim portion, such that pushing against said elongate memberdepresses said button and operates said horn switch.
 16. A method ofoperating a horn button on a steering wheel of an automotive vehicle,said steering wheel having a hub portion connected to a rim portion by aspoke and having a horn button on said spoke, comprising the stepsof:joining an elongate member to said steering wheel rim portion so thatsaid elongate member is in contact with said horn button, pressing saidelongate member to depress said horn button.